Explain why did pilgrims walk the Way of Saint James in Compostela?

To obtain indulgences and the forgiveness of sins.

In the Middle Ages, many pilgrims took the road to Santiago de Compostela in order to gain indulgences, which were kinds of reductions of penance for the sins committed in their lives. Making this journey on foot, often under difficult conditions, proved their sincere repentance in the eyes of the Church. It was a precious opportunity to obtain divine forgiveness by reducing the time spent in purgatory, an intermediate step before reaching heaven. The harder the journey or the greater the fervor seemed, the more generous the indulgence could be in the eyes of the religious authorities. For many, it was a concrete way to reset their spiritual clock and start anew on solid ground.

To venerate the sacred relics of the Apostle James.

In the Middle Ages, pilgrims traveled all the way to Compostela because they deeply believed in the power of relics, these remains considered sacred. The bones of the apostle James preserved there were among the most famous in Europe. Pilgrims thought that physically approaching these relics would allow them to benefit from the spiritual power of the saint, bringing blessing and divine protection, and even some miracles. In their minds, being close to these sacred remains was a bit like touching holiness itself. So, naturally, journeying these hundreds of kilometers was well worth it when one wanted to feel a direct connection with the apostle.

To seek physical or spiritual healing.

For centuries, the pilgrimage to Compostela has been seen as an effective way to seek a healing, whether of the body or the spirit. During the Middle Ages, many hoped for a miracle in exchange for their intense and challenging journey. The belief was that the relics of the apostle James had a true therapeutic power, capable of relieving illnesses that were incurable or mysterious, ones that no one could treat at the time. Even today, some pilgrims undertake the journey to free themselves from deep-seated distress, find inner peace, or simply give meaning back to their lives after a difficult ordeal. For many of them, walking hundreds of kilometers becomes a form of personal therapy: step by step, they feel purified, relieved, and gradually liberated from their inner wounds.

To experience a personal spiritual journey

Walking the paths that lead to Santiago de Compostela allowed the pilgrim to experience a rich inner journey. Many sought to find a meaning in their life, to take stock of themselves, away from their daily routine. Progressing kilometer by kilometer, in the silence of the landscapes, the pilgrim underwent a personal quest filled with questioning, reflection, and unexpected discoveries. The fatigue, the encounters, and the time spent alone on the road encouraged true introspection. Many pilgrims returned from the journey transformed, more mature, and certain that they had grown spiritually through this unique pilgrimage.

To share a community and cultural experience.

Setting out on the Camino de Santiago was to join a kind of great collective adventure. Pilgrims came from everywhere, crossing paths in hostels, sharing stories, songs, and practical advice. They walked together, shared everyday life, meals, and the challenges of the journey. This created a strong sense of solidarity. It was also a unique opportunity to discover different ways of living, meet people with diverse languages and traditions, and, by passing through all these different regions, experience the incredible cultural diversity through art, architecture, and folk festivals. In short, it was a true human and cultural immersion that often left a lasting mark on the pilgrims.